While there are many different herbal treatments that an expecting woman can turn to during her pregnancy, there are also plenty of natural remedies she may used once her baby is born. While feeding a newborn through breastfeeding is highly encouraged in many medical circles, a host of issues may arise during this most important time in a mother and child’s life.
The process of breastfeeding might come as a stressful time for mother, especially if they are new to the game. It is important to create a regular routine that is relaxed and makes both baby and mother feel comfortable. When taking the advice of child care experts and deciding to breastfeed, a mother may turn to the following herbal approaches to ease some of the possible outcomes a mother may face.
Nipples that are sore or cracked have a tendency to make the breastfeeding process much harder on mother. What is supposed to be a delicate time of bonding with baby now becomes a painful burden. If cracked or sore nipples are left untreated, engorgement may occur, which is an even less desirable result. To treat the first problem, retrieve an over-the-counter cream made from calendula to ease symptoms. Mixing a little bit of honey with sweet almond oil will also make an effective remedy. Both methods should be applied to the nipples throughout the day to provide relief.
When cracked or sore nipples become engorged, a woman will experience increased pain, as the milk ducts become blocked, causing inflammation, as well as infection. Engorgement also occurs when milk remains in the breast at the conclusion of a breastfeeding session. A simple cure for this problem comes from a cabbage leaf that has been efficiently washed and beaten with a cooking mallet to soften. Placing the leaf include the bra will treat this issue.
For some women, getting the milk to flow freely is a problem. This leads to additional woes as you feel you cannot keep up with the demand your child possesses for nourishment. There is a wide-range of herbs that can be used to increase breast milk flow so that you may continue to frequently feed your little one. For starters, mix 20 grams of fennel seeds, 30 grams of dried goat’s rue, 30 grams of dried vervain, 20 grams of dried stinging nettles, and one teaspoon of powdered cinnamon. Once this mixture is complete, you may store this combination in an airtight jar.
Next, throughout the day, you may take one-cup doses of an infusion for about four times per day. Adding to this natural approach, you may also mix five drops of chaste berry tincture with warm water and take before devouring your breakfast. You should also refrain from eating your favorite spicy foods because these sorts of flavors are known to adversely affect a mother’s milk supply.